It is amazing to see how the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of Scripture in how they penned their words. I think we often miss the full beauty of this by isolating small passages of the Bible from one another. When we take the time to compare Scripture with Scripture, especially in a single book, we find some beautiful treasures.
For example, a particular point brackets the book of Hebrews, being found in both the first and the last chapters. As such, it provides one of the foundational concepts for the entire letter.
The book opens by exalting the Lord Jesus, showing how He is the full expression of God and is greater than any angel (Hebrews 1:1-4). And then the author cites several Old Testament passages to prove his point. In part, he says—
“And, ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; and they all will become old like a garment, and like a mantle You will roll them up; like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.’” (Hebrews 1:10-12).
The last part is what really stands out to me. Jesus Christ will remain forever, and He is unchanging. The book closes in the exact same way. The author writes—
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
Again, the themes of changelessness and timelessness are present. This calls to mind passages from the Old Testament, like where God says in Malachi, “I, the Lord, do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Amazing promise.
But the point I am trying to make is that this provides the foundation for the entire book of Hebrews. The letter is written to remind believers that Jesus is our true “high priest,” and He is far better than “Moses” (Hebrews 3:1-3; 4:15; 8:1-6). Christians are not settling for second best by believing in Christ alone, as if the Old Testament Law was so much greater. Rather, Christians receive eternal life and salvation, something the Law cannot provide. In fact, we read that “He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:25). Our salvation is secure.
But the point is that we are to follow Christ. These believers may have wanted to go back to Judaism, to give up under persecution, whatever the case may be. As a result, we see admonitions such as, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” and, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 10:23; 12:1).
The reason we can do this, Hebrews shows us, is that our unchanging Christ remains forever. He can “save forever” because He remains forever (Hebrews 7:25). He can always “help” believers “since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 4:16; 7:25). We can stand firm in our faith because He is steadfast. If He promised to always be with His people before, we can be sure He is with us now (Hebrews 13:5, 6). The implications go on and on.
Noticing this theme as it runs throughout the book helps us glimpse the point the author, and the Holy Spirit ultimately, are making. We have a firm foundation in Christ. It will not shift, grow old, deteriorate, or disappear. It will remain forever. This is why our hope is secure and is “eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Because of “the unchangeableness of [God’s] purpose,” and since “it is impossible for God to lie,” we have “hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:17, 18). “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).
Our hope in Christ is steadfast, eternal, and unchanging. Are you resting in this hope?
Plowboy Moments 